Statistics: difference between measures of central tendency and measure of variation
Measures of variation: According to brooks and dick dispersion or spread is the degree of the scatter or variation of the variable about the central value. According to Simpson and Kafka the measurement of the scatter ness of the mass of the figure in a series about an average is called measure of variation or dispersion. Measures of variations are needed for 4 basic purposes: 1. To determine the reliability of an average. 2. To serve as a basis for the control of variability. 3. To compare 2 or more series with regard to their variability. 4. To facilitate the use of other statistical measures. Essentials of good average: Since an average is a single value representing a group of values, it is desired that such a value satisfies the following properties: 1. Easy to understand: Since statistical methods(http://www.tutorhelpdesk.com/homeworkhelp/Statistics-Ass ...) are designed to simplify complexity, it is desirable than an average should be such that can be readily understood otherwise its use is bound to be very limited. 2. Simple to compute: An average should not only be easy to understand but also simple to compute so that it can be used widely. However though ease to computation is desirable, it should not be sort at the expense of other advantages that is if in the interest of greater accuracy, use of a more difficult average is desirable, one should prefer that. 3. Based on all the items: The average should depend upon each item of the series so that if any of the item is dropped the average itself is altered. 4. Not be unduly affected by extreme observations: although each and every item should influence the value of the average, none of the items should influence it unduly. If one or two very small or very large items unduly affect the average, that is either increase or decrease its value the average cannot be really typical if the entire series. In other words extreme may distort the average and reduce its usefulness. 5. Rigidly defined: An average should be properly defined so that it has one and only one interpretation. It should preferably be defined by algebraic formula so that if different people compute the average from the same figure they all get the same answer. The average should not depend upon the personal prejudice and bias of the investigator otherwise the results can be misleading. About Author Monica Gupta is Author of Tutor Help Desk is one of the most preferred online tutoring company catering to thousands of students worldwide including US, UK, Canada, India, Australia etc. Disclaimer: Article submitters are solely responsible for the content of their articles. ArtiLib can't be held liable for the contents of the articles. Report Abuse | Browse By Category |
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